Counting device for a push-up exercise

ABSTRACT

A counting device for counting repetitions and timing a push-up exercise includes a device body and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuation buttons thereon. The counter assembly fits within a deformable foam ring that forms the top of the device. During exercise, a user depresses the foam ring downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger at least one sensor in the counter assembly to register a repetition count on the display, along with an elapsed time of the exercise. The counter assembly can be fixed within the device, or a display unit thereof may be removable so that the device and display unit are configured for wireless communication.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting device forpush-up exercises.

2. Description of Related Art

Push-ups are one of the oldest and perhaps most effective exercises fora human being. The push-up exercise is employed by the military andcompetitive sports teams around the world to gauge overall fitness.

When exercising, many users desire to keep a count of repetitionsperformed. Historically, when the user desired to time the number ofrepetitions performed, the user typically had to maintain a mental countand observe a clock or watch; and/or set a timer on the clock or watch.If the user was performing a pushup exercise, counting repetitionswithin a specified time period proved difficult.

Counting devices have been developed to address this problem. In generalfor a push-up exercise, counters have been developed in which a usercontacts a sensor (such as a button) with his or her chest. The sensoractuates a switch or counter within housing. The counted repetitioncould be embodied by an audible sound or an incremented count on adisplay. Other counters include a proximity sensor which does notcontact the person's body.

However, conventional physical-touch sensor counters do not both countpush-up repetitions and time the exercise. Additionally, conventionalcounters do not provide for “give-way” where an exerciser cannot supportthemselves in the push-up position; the contact surface is typically astatic pad and the counter body is generally rigid. Proximity sensorsare inapplicable to and hence ineffective for counting push-upexercises.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a countingdevice for a push-up exercise. The device includes a device body and acounter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuation buttonsthereon. The counter assembly fits within a deformable foam ring thatforms the top of the device. During exercise, a user depresses the foamring downward with their chest a given distance so as to trigger atleast one sensor in the counter assembly to register a repetition counton the display, along with an elapsed time of the exercise.

Another example embodiment is directed to a counting device for apush-up exercise that includes a device body including a sensor and afirst transceiver in electrical connection with the sensor, a deformablefoam ring attached to the device body so as to form the top of thecounting device, and a removable counter display unit having a secondtransceiver that is configured to fit within the foam ring. With thecounter display unit remote from the device, the sensor sensesdepression of the foam ring by a user during a push-up exercise andsends a count signal to the first transceiver, which is transmitted tothe second transceiver to register a repetition count on the counterdisplay unit along with an elapsed time of the exercise.

Another example embodiment of the present invention is directed to anexercise system. The system includes a pair of handle devices to begrasped by a user for performing a push-up exercise, a counting devicepositioned under the user's chest and including a sensor for detectingdepression of a foam ring on the counting device by a user's chest, anda remote display unit in view of the user. Upon the sensor sensingcontact therewith by a ring holder holding the foam ring, the countingdevice transmits a wireless signal that is received by the display unitand displayed as a repetition count along with an elapsed time of theexercise thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference numerals, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a push-up exercisein accordance with the example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counting device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to illustrateconstituent components in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to illustrateconnection of the top screen to the bottom cup.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up exercise inaccordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the counting device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5 toillustrate constituent components in more detail.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of the counting device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device inaccordance with another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments in general are directed to a counting device forpush-up exercises. In one example, the device includes a device body anda counter assembly. The device body includes a central aperture forreceiving the counter assembly. The counter assembly includes a displayfor displaying repetition count and time elapsed. In an example, thecounter assembly can be configured to have a set time period whichcounts down to zero. The counter assembly fits within the device bodyand includes a foam ring that forms the top of the device to expose aplurality of counter buttons. The device iterates a count when the userdepresses the foam ring downward, triggering a count that registers onthe display along with the elapsed time. The elapsed time of exercisecan be understood as a time that decrements to zero from a given setexercise time, or as a time increasing from zero to a set ending time,for example. The device body itself may be deformable under the weightof the user to permit depression of the counting device beyond thedistance required to trigger a count. A deformable device body may alsoprovide a safety feature to prevent injury in the event a user losesmuscle control during exercise, and to protect the device electronics.

In another example, the device includes a removable counter thatremotely communicates with the device body. The device body includes asensor that senses depression of the foam ring during a push-upexercise. The sensor is attached to a transceiver that transmits asignal that is received by a transceiver of a remote counter. The signalcauses the counter to iterate a count that the user can view on adisplay thereof along with the time elapsed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counting device for a push-up exercisein accordance with the example embodiments, and FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview of the counting device 10. The counting device 10 includes a devicebody 150 that supports a counter assembly 100. In an example, the devicebody 150 may be configured as a tripod stand with spaced apart legs 152,154, 156 to provide stability for the device 10. In an example, theheight of the counting device 10 may approximate the width of a fist.Military and fitness teams use buddies to count pushups by placing afist sideways on the ground under their partner's chest. Device 10simulates the height of the fist in order to count repetitions.

The device body 150 maybe composed of a suitable plastic or rubbermaterial that allows for some deformation. An example material may bethermoplastic rubber (TPR). This material provides for deformation orgive of the device body 150 under stress. This prevents the device 10from being destroyed in the event the user cannot hold their positionabove device 10. The counter assembly 100 in this example includes afoam rubber ring 105 which supports a top screen 110 and a display unit120, as well as a plurality of actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extendingthrough bores formed in the top screen 110. In an example, display unit120 may include an LED display.

In general during operation, a user making a downward movement during apush-up exercise contacts the foam rubber ring 105. The foam rubber ring105 sits within a ring holder 107. As the foam ring 105 deforms, thiscauses the ring holder 107 to depress downward a given distance before acount is registered. For example, as the foam rubber ring 105 deforms sothat the holder 107 is displaced downward to about 0.5″ (3 mm travel) acount sequence is initiated to register the count on the display unit120. This is merely an example; deformation of the foam ring 105 so asto displace the holder 107 a distance in a range of about 2-7 mm couldinitiate a count sequence. At the given deformation distance, anunderside of the holder 107 contacts one or more sensors in the deviceelectronics so as to register a repetition. This count is displayed ondisplay unit 120 along with the time elapsed. The time elapsed can be atime count down from a given starting time or a time count up from zero,for example.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the counting device to illustrateconstituent components in more detail. The counter assembly 100 includesa top screen 110 that encircles a display 120. The top screen 110includes a plurality of bores 111 through which the actuation buttons125 extend. The counter assembly 100 includes a bottom cup 130 which inthis example threads onto the device body 150 via a threaded column 155.The bottom cup 130 includes a series of holes 131 designed to receivethe legs 112 of top screen 110. The bottom cup 130 includes a cavity 132designed to receive a battery holder 140 for batteries 142. Thebatteries 142 power a PC board 117 of the display unit 120 so as todisplay count and time elapsed thereon.

The actuation buttons 121, 123, 125 extending through holes 111 in thetop screen 110 can have given functions. One of the buttons may be an“On/Reset” button 121. Another button 123 is provided for an “Increasetime” function to increase the exercise time displayed on the display120, and a third button 125 is dedicated for a “Decrease time” functionto decrease the exercise time displayed on display 120.

In general, power to the counting device 10 is turned on by pressing theOn/Reset button 121. In one example, the display 120, upon power on,defaults to display 2 minutes and 0 reps. When the first repetition isregistered, the timer begins counting down, beeping on each repetitionand registering the repetition by incrementing the count. The 2 minuteexercise time is the basic exercise duration used by Navy SEALs, forexample, although the default time could be set to a different defaulttime. The user may increase the time using button 123 or decrease thetime with button 125 before or during exercise. Alternatively, thecounting device 10 may be set to a count up timer mode. In this mode,once power is on, the counting device 10 waits for the user to beginexercising with a default display of 0:00 minutes/0 reps. As the firstrepetition is performed, the timer would begin counting up on thedisplay 120. The display 120 has an automatic power-down function tosave the batteries 142. For example, after 4 minutes of non-use, display120 powers down.

In operation, as the foam ring 105 is deformed under the weight of theuser, it presses ring holder 107 down against one or more micro-switches119. This action registers a count. A plurality of springs 144 aresecured between bosses 147 formed on an underside of the ring holder 107and on a top surface of a spring plate 146. The springs 144 provide acounterforce against the downward force of the ring holder 107 towardthe micro-switches 119. The micro-switches 119 are in electricalcommunication with the display 120 via PC board 117 and provide thecount signal to the PC board 117 so as to register the count on thedisplay 120.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the counting device to illustrateconnection of the top screen to the bottom cup. Threaded engagement ofthe bottom cup 130 threads 133 onto the threaded column 155 of devicebody 150 secures the bottom cup 130 to the device body 150. The legs 112of the top screen 110 include threaded bores 113 therein. By aligningthe holes 131 of the bottom cup 130 with the bores 113 within the legs112, fasteners 134 may be inserted to engage the threaded bores 113 soas to secure the top screen 110 and display 120 to the bottom cup 130.In FIG. 4, one of the springs 144 is shown compressed between the springplate 146 and ring holder 107.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a counting device for a push-up exercise inaccordance with another example embodiment; FIG. 6 is a side view of thecounting device shown in FIG. 5. Referring collectively to FIGS. 5 and6, the counting device 10′ in this example is similar to that shown inthe previous embodiment, with the exception of the device body 150′. Inthis example, the device body 150′ includes a hard plastic ring 160around the bottom to connect legs 152, 154, 156. The ring 160 isprovided to add stability to the device 10′ as the user presses down todeform the foam rubber ring 105. The device body 150′ is also deformableunder user weight.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the counting device of FIG. 5 toillustrate constituent components in more detail, and FIG. 8 is acut-away view of the counting device of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 7 and8, the component arrangement within device 10′ is slightly differentthen shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bottom cup 130 contains a batterycompartment 135 to receive batteries 142, with a cover 137 to enclosethe batteries 142 therein. The micro-switches 119 are shown in greaterdetail in their relation to the underside of the ring holder 107. Eachof the On/reset button 121, increasing time button 123 and decreasingtime button 125 is also shown in more detail relative to theirconnective positions on PC board 117 (not shown, but beneath springplate 146).

In an example, the device 10′ is configured to enable an additional 1-4″of deformation due to the elasticity of the device body 150′. Adurometer is a measurement indicating the hardness of a material or thematerial's resistance to permanent indentation. There are severalmeasuring scales; the two most common are the ASTM D2240 type A and typeD scales. The A scale is for softer plastics, while the D scale is forharder ones. In this example, the materials composing device body 150′can have a hardness of between 60-100 durometers using the type A scale,with a desired hardness range of between about 65 to 75 durometers. Inone example, the device body 150′ can be composed of a thermoplasticrubber (TPR) that has a measured hardness of approximately 65durometers. The entire device body 150′ can be compressed or deformeddownward (analogous to depressing a toilet plunger for example) untilthe hard plastic battery cover 137 on the underside of the bottom cup130 bottoms out. This provides a safety feature to prevent injury in theevent a user loses muscle control during exercise, and protects thedevice electronics as well.

FIG. 9 is an exercise system incorporating a counting device inaccordance with another example embodiment. The counting device 10″ issimilar to that described in FIGS. 1-8; differences are noted in detailbelow. The system 1000 includes a pair of handle devices to use forpush-ups. In one example, these may be rotatable push-up exercisedevices 200, although the counting device 10″ may be used with no handdevices, raised surfaces for the hands and/or as shown in FIG. 9.

In this embodiment, the display unit, referred to in this example ascounter display unit 300, is shown removed and remote from the device10″. The counter display unit contains its own electronics to power thedisplay. The device body 150, with bottom cup 130, foam rubber ring 105,PC board 107 and micro-switches 119 arranged on the spring plate 146,and springs 144 between the spring plate 146 and the ring holder 107,remain beneath the user in the contiguous counting device 10″.

In this embodiment, the counter display unit 130 and device 10″ cancommunicate remotely via wireless communications, such as RF, IF, etc.In one example, RF data communications can be performed betweentransceivers in the device 10″ and counter display unit 300, such that awireless signal is transmitted from the device 10″ to the counterdisplay unit 300. The dotted line 500 represents the wireless signalcommunicated between the counting device 10″ and the counter displayunit 300. The signal path is shown in two directions to signify that thedisplay unit 300, in one embodiment, could transmit a confirmationwireless signal back to the transmitter at device 10″. Exampletransceivers suitable for the device 10″ and counter display unit 300can include the 900-MHz AC4490-1x1 FHSS transceiver by AeroComm, whichmeasures 1 in² and is a self-contained PCB-mountable radio modem module;and the MICRF505 by Micrel, a self-contained transceiver that fits intoa 5 mm² footprint.

In operation, a user grasps the push-up exercise devices 200 and beginsa downward movement of the push-up exercise so as to contact the foamrubber ring 105. The foam rubber ring 105 deforms a given distancedownward against the springs 144 such that the micro-switches 119 comeinto contact with the underside of the ring holder 107, generating asignal to the device 10″ transceiver. The device 10″ transceivertransmits this signal 500 to the receiver at the counter display unit300. This signal 500 is recognized as a count and is displayed on thedisplay along with the time elapsed.

In other words, the counting device 10″ with removable counter displayunit 300 registers a count in exactly the same way as counting devices10, 10″, once signal 500 is received. The only difference in thisembodiment is that the display unit 300 can be removed and repositionedaway from the device body 150, providing an easier reading position. Thefoam ring 105 and device electronics (PC board 107 and micro switches119) remain in the device body 150. It would be evident to one skilledin the art that each of the counting devices 10 and/or 10′ in FIGS. 1-8could be configured with a removable display having a transceivertherein.

In a further variant, the counting device 10″ and/or counter displayunit 300 may communicate with other remote devices, such as a hand-heldor personal computer, a laptop, etc. Further, the counting device 10″and/or counter display unit 300 could be configured with memory to storerecords of repetitions by the user during exercise events. Connectivitywith a computing device provides for the download of records and/or theupload of workout routines, for example, which could be displayed on thecounter display unit 300. For example, the counter display unit 300could have its own microprocessor and advanced display features todisplay examples of aerobic workouts and to give the user a set numberof reps to perform, a rest period, then another set of reps.

Any of the counting devices 10, 10′, 10″ described herein may be usedwith a user performing an exercise with their hands on the floor, bygrasping a handle bar or by placing their hands on other raisedsurfaces. The example of FIG. 9 illustrates use of the counting devicewith just one example of push-up exercise devices for the hands. Thepush-up exercise device 200 includes a single molded housing 210 with acircular lower base 212. The housing 210 includes an integral facing 214formed around a circumference of the lower base 212. In an example, thefacing may incline slightly downward and outward from the base 212. Thehousing 210 includes a pair of columns 215 formed into part of the base212 of the housing 210, with a lower end of each column 215 forming partof the facing 214 at opposing sides thereof to receive an end of ahandle 220 there between. In an example, each column 215 slopes upwardfrom the lower base 212, gradually narrowing to secure the handle 220 atits upper end.

Each rotatable device 200 includes a fixed base support 230 operativelyattached to the housing 210. The device 200 further includes a bearingassembly (not shown) operatively attached within the housing 210 topermit rotation of the contiguous handle 220 and housing 210 by a user,with the fixed base support 230 resting on a planar surface. Examplebearing assemblies are described in detail with regard to FIGS. 3, 8A,8B and the associated description thereof in the co-pending and commonlyassigned application Ser. No. 11/996,152 to Hauser, et al., filed Jan.18, 2008 and entitled “PUSH-UP EXERCISE UNIT AND DEVICE”, the relevantcontents describing device 200 being hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

In general, the housing 212 can be formed by an injection moldingprocess from a medium or heavy gauge impact plastic such asacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS is an easily machined, tough,low-cost, rigid thermoplastic material with medium to high impactstrength, and is a desirable material for turning, drilling, sawing,die-cutting, shearing, etc. ABS is merely one example material;equivalent materials include various thermoplastic and thermosetmaterials that have characteristics similar to ABS. For example,polypropylene, high-strength polycarbonates such as GE Lexan, and/orblended plastics may be used instead of, or in addition with ABS. Thematerials comprising device 200 (plastic such as ABS, rubber andlightweight metal materials) provide for a light yet durableconstruction. An exemplary injection molding system for forming moldedplastic articles included in device 200 may be the Roboshot® injectionmachine from Milacron-Fanuc. The Roboshot is one of many known injectionmolding machines for forming plastic injection molds.

The handle 220 may be composed of a metal handle-rod (not shown)sheathed within a grip 225. For example, the handle 220 may have achrome steel handle-rod overlaid with or sheathed within a rubberizedgrip 225. The handle-rod may alternatively be comprised of an aluminumhollow member and is received within corresponding recesses (not shown)formed in the columns 215. The grip 225 may be made of a foam rubber orsuitable elastomeric material and has a wider or thicker center portionwhich tapers down to the end portions of grip 147.

Device 200 includes a solid rubber gripping surface configured as anon-slip pad (not shown herein, but shown and described in detail withregard to FIG. 5 and the associated description thereof in theco-pending and commonly assigned '152 application). The non-slip pad isprovided on the underside of the base support 230 and offers a frictionsurface when the device 220 is resting on a flat surface. The pad may beadhered to the underside of the base support 230 via suitable epoxy oradhesive, for example. The non-slip rubber pad grips well on carpet andhard floor surfaces.

A gap (not shown herein, but shown and described in detail with regardto FIG. 2 and the associated description thereof in the co-pending andcommonly assigned '152 application) is provided between the lower base212 of housing 210 and the base support 230 to assist in permittingrotational movement of the housing 210 and handle 220, ostensibly byproviding clearance for the bearing assembly while the base support 230remains fixed in place.

Therefore, the example embodiments provide for a counting device forpush-up exercises that is compact, accurate and which provides both thecount of repetitions and time-elapsed on a single display. Remotecommunications between the counting device and a removable counterdisplay unit facilitate the user's ability to track repetitions and timeelapsed. Moreover, the height of the counting device prevents a userfrom cheating, they must lower their chest sufficiently to engage thefoam ring 105 and register a repetition on the display.

The example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious thatthe same may be varied in many ways. For example, the counting devices10 and 10′ can be configured with or without a removable counter displayunit. The counting devices described herein are applicable to user'sperforming conventional push-ups as well as for use with the system ofFIG. 9. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from theexample embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious toone skilled in the art are intended to be included herein.

1. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising: a device body,and a counter assembly having a display and a plurality of actuationbuttons, the counter assembly fitting within a deformable foam ring thatforms the top of the device, wherein a user during exercise depressesthe foam ring downward with their chest a given distance so as totrigger at least one sensor of the counter assembly to register arepetition count on the display along with an elapsed time of theexercise, and the device body is composed of a deformable rubbermaterial and is configured with three spaced legs interconnected to oneanother at the bottom of the device to support the counter assembly andpermit additional deformation of the foam ring beyond the distancerequired to trigger the count.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thecount is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring isdepressed a distance between about 2 to 7 mm.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the count is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foamring is depressed a distance of 3 mm.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinthe count is triggered once a ring holder supporting the foam ring isdepressed under the user's weight so as to contact the at least onesensor.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elapsed time of exerciseis a time that decrements to zero from a given set exercise time or atime increasing from zero to a set ending time.
 6. (canceled) 7.(canceled)
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensorincludes a plurality of micro-switches, the counter assembly furtherincluding: a PC board in electrical communication with the display,actuation buttons and micro-switches, and a battery for powering the PCboard, wherein a ring holder that supports the foam ring as the foamring deforms under the user's weight contacts the micro-switches, whichsend a signal to the PC board to register a repetition count on thedisplay.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuation buttonsinclude: an on/reset button for powering the device and resetting thetime and count, an increase button for increasing the exercise time onthe display, and a decrease button for decreasing the exercise time onthe display.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom cupattached within the device body for supporting the counter assembly, anda circular spring plate attached to the top of the bottom cup, thespring plate having a plurality a springs that provide a counter forceagainst deformation of the foam ring.
 11. The device of claim 1, whereinthe device body has a hardness of between about 60 to 100 durometers.12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body has a hardness ofbetween 65 to 75 durometers.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein thecounter assembly is fixed within the device.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein the display of the counter assembly is removable from thedevice, the device and display configured for wireless communication.15. A counting device for a push-up exercise, comprising: a device bodyincluding a sensor and a first transceiver in electrical connection withthe sensor, a deformable foam ring attached to the device body so as toform the top of the counting device, and a removable counter displayunit having a second transceiver that is configured to fit within thefoam ring, wherein the counter display unit is remote from the device,and the sensor senses depression of the foam ring by a user during apush-up exercise and sends a count signal to the first transceiver thatis transmitted to the second transceiver to register a repetition counton the counter display unit along with an elapsed time of the exercise.16. The device of claim 15, wherein the device body is composed of adeformable rubber or plastic material that is deformable to permitadditional depression of the foam ring beyond the distance required totrigger the count.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the device bodyincludes three legs.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the device bodyhas three legs composed of a deformable rubber or plastic material thatare deformable to permit additional depression of the foam ring beyondthe distance required to trigger the count.
 19. The device of claim 12,wherein the count signal that is transmitted is triggered once a ringholder supporting the foam ring is depressed a given distance.
 20. Anexercise system, comprising: a pair of handle devices to be grasped by auser for performing a push-up exercise, a counting device positionedunder the user's chest and including a sensor for detecting depressionof a foam ring on the counting device by a user's chest, and a remotedisplay unit in view of the user, wherein upon the sensor sensingcontact therewith by a ring holder holding the foam ring, the countingdevice transmits a wireless signal that is received by the display unitand displayed as a repetition count along with an elapsed time of theexercise thereon.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the remote displayunit is configured to fit within the counting device.
 22. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the handle devices include rotatable handles.